Pharmacists proactive against drug abuse

Prescriptions sitting in medicine cabinets change with age, says George Sacchi, an Aliton's pharmacist, who spoke at Pike County United Women's drug awareness event.

Prescriptions sitting in medicine cabinets change with age, says George Sacchi, an Aliton's pharmacist, who spoke at Pike County United Women's drug awareness event.

"Some drugs lose potency. Some become poison. Darvon from 1964 could kill you," he said. "Taking a sustained release product all at once can be toxic. Get rid of drugs in your medicine cabinet."

He recommends taking advantage of drug disposal opportunities on Drug Take-Back Day Saturday.

Meanwhile, clever ways to take drugs proliferate. "Kids hollow out apples, stick in screens and smoke, then eat the apple," Sacchi says.

He suggests fighting chemistry with chemistry.

"Having urine tests in the house is a deterrent, and combination urine tests are 99 percent accurate," Sacci says, but adds, "Kids listen, but they don't hear. Take away the fear factor and have an open relationship."

Sacchi says pharmacies are increasingly vigilant. If he even has an "inkling" that the customer may be buying too much of a drug, he says, "we call the doctor and other stores. We share information."

Carl Braunagel, pharmacist and Aliton's owner, notes that prescriptions have serial numbers that indicate both prescribers and receivers.

"We can look at a doctor's license and see their history," he says. "We put as much information in the database as possible."

Pills can also be investigated, via drugs.com. "You can key in the color, shape, tablet and imprint to find out what it is," he says.

Pharmacists take other precautions too, as they become vulnerable to addicts' desperation.